We were able to get through the payment of the reciprocity fee and customs in about an hour. Everyone’s luggage arrived and our guides, Sergio and “Nacho” were there to greet us and load the bus. The hour-long trip to La Plata through the northern part of Buenos Aires took us by the Argentine Futbol Association and Boca Juniors stadium.
The coaches and players’ facility was not yet ready as we arrived due to the storms of the previous two days. (The parents are in beautiful apartments in downtown La Plata about 30 minutes away.) By the time we ate lunch – wonderful pasta, bread, coke, water and ice cream – the rooms were ready.
We thought the boys would take a nap, but it turns out the only one who passed out was coach Sabin. It is very unusual to allow any visitors on the campus on the day prior to a match. They very much guard the relaxation and preparation of the professional team, especially since our building is only 50 feet apart. Our kids were extremely respectful of the request for quiet.
Instead of a light session in the afternoon we decided to warm the boys up and play an hour-long soccer tennis match in the gym. The boys were anxious to touch the ball and had a great time until Ryan Hadley volleyed a ball too high and broke a ceiling light. The four-man team of Jared Grubich, Bryce Schweirling, Mike Coghlin and Rielly Dowling won the first 5 or 6 matches and dominated the hour-long session.
Lights out at 10:30 and the boys were quickly out.
